Terms Of Knowledge Creation Research Articles

Knowledge Creation as Influence the Achievement of Organisational Social Innovation

This research investigates the effects of knowledge creation on organisational social innovation in R&D organisations. Organisational social innovation deviated from the concept by presenting a new paradigm in business, the potential for innovation of which was viewed as knowledge creation as a factor to solve business economic problems and unfulfilled demands in society. In the post-industrial era, managing intellectual assets has become a crucial component of organisational effectiveness. Organisations require knowledge creation that will enable them to respond quickly to changes, fulfil the demand for constantly changing business knowledge, and improve their ability for long-term organisational innovation. As a result, this research investigates the impact of knowledge creation on the achievement of organisational social innovation. However, there is a lack of interest of previous researcher in this area. In this paper, a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was used, and a survey questionnaire was chosen to collect data for this descriptive study. This finding includes 171 Malaysian R&D organisations. This study showed a substantial relationship between knowledge creation and organisational social innovation. The findings of this study extended and improved knowledge-based view (KBV), emphasising the need of understanding a firm's competitive advantage in terms of knowledge creation on achievement of organisational social innovation. However, this study has some limitations, especially in terms of breadth and sample size. Furthermore, the application of current criteria may limit the examination of additional determinants.

Focusing on Key Customers and Customer Knowledge Management as Predictors of Customer Satisfaction among Graduating Students of UMTC

This study aimed to determine if focusing on key customers and customer knowledge management were predictors of customer satisfaction among graduating students of UMTC. 300 graduating students of UMTC were the respondents of this research. The statistical tools used were Mean, Pearson-r, and Regression Analysis. Quantitative non-experimental research utilizing correlational technique with regression analysis was the research design of this paper. Results revealed that the level of focusing on key customers among graduating students in terms of needs assessment, customized services, ongoing dialogue and employee empowerment was high. The level of customer knowledge management yielded a descriptive equivalent of high in terms of knowledge creation, knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing and knowledge storage. For the level of customer satisfaction of graduating students of UMTC, it yielded a high-level result in terms of customer satisfaction, customer loyalty and customer retention. There was a positive significant relationship between focusing on key customers and customer knowledge management to customer satisfaction among graduating students. In addition, both the focusing on key customers and customer knowledge management was a predictor of customer satisfaction among the graduating students of UMTC.

Influencia del liderazgo en gestión del conocimiento y eficiencia hospitalaria

ObjectiveTo analyse the effect of leadership style on knowledge management in hospitals and hospital efficiency based on the opinion of experts in hospital management, applying fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM). MethodFCM are relational models that can be used to graphically represent expert opinion and knowledge to infer cause–effect relationships between different concepts. The use of FCM as a simulation tool allows the evaluation of possible scenarios based on different leadership styles in hospitals. ResultsIn the resulting augmented matrix, standardized effects range from 0.02 to 0.84, with the highest value representing the strongest relationship between knowledge exploitation and hospital efficiency. From the viewpoint of experts, knowledge creation within the hospital also influences hospital efficiency. Regarding variables reflecting leadership characteristics, positive effects have been identified, though with varying intensities, between authority, benevolence, and charisma, both in terms of knowledge creation and exploitation, as well as hospital efficiency. The transformational leadership style is associated with coefficients having higher values for knowledge management and hospital efficiency. ConclusionsExperts suggest that hospitals with authoritarian leadership styles would exhibit lower levels of knowledge creation and management, as well as lower hospital efficiency. On the other hand, they associate hospitals managed with a paternalistic leadership style with better values in both knowledge creation and exploitation, as well as hospital efficiency, compared to the authoritarian leadership style. Finally, they attribute the highest levels in aspects related to knowledge management and hospital efficiency to the transformational leadership style.

The role of the University of Prishtina in knowledge creation and transfer

Purpose: This case study aims to analyse the role of the university in knowledge creation and transfer to the industry. Methodology: Knowledge creation is analysed in terms of research activities, while knowledge transfer focuses on the abilities and motivation of university staff in transferring the science outcome to the industry. The general problems of the lack of data on innovation activities in Kosovo are evident; therefore, this research uses a qualitative research technique. Data were collected based on a qualitative guide interview, combining and analysing 15 semi-structured interviews. Results: The findings show that part of the achievements is evident, but part of them is questionable in many aspects, e.g., there is a visible asymmetry between knowledge creation and knowledge transfer. By comparison, teaching has improved significantly over the last decade, while critical thinking is not yet at a satisfactory level. Conclusion: Indeed, much progress and many challenges could be identified over the half-century. The university’s efforts are debatable in terms of knowledge creation, and no sign motivates university staff to publish in high-ranking international journals and contribute to research activities. However, the university is continuously improving its collaboration with international donors, e.g., the European Union remains the main partner.

Big Data Based Knowledge Management vs. Traditional Knowledge Management: A People, Process and Technology Perspective

Value creation is one of the core aspects of Big Data. This concept of value creation can be linked to the efficient knowledge management within the organizations, in terms of knowledge creation, sharing and application, through which organizations can enhance their organizational performance. Little work has been done on the linkage of value creation from big data and the knowledge management capability of the organizations in terms of people, processes and technology which play a crucial role in effective knowledge management. This study contributes towards the existing body of knowledge by exploring this linkage of people, process and technology in relation to big data through the lens of knowledge management, by conducting a qualitative study in the oil and gas industry. The findings reveal that the KM capability of the organizations through big data can be explained through the Complex domain of Cynefin framework which involves probing, sensing and responding in which there are no right answers and instructive patterns (predictive knowledge) emerging from big data could be right or wrong depending upon the complexity of the situation. The useful and tested predictive knowledge by experts (people) can then emerge as good or best practice falling into complicated and simple domains of Cynefin framework.

Digital readiness assessment of Italian SMEs: a case-study research

PurposeGiven the challenges that Industry 4.0 poses, the purpose of this paper is to propose a comprehensive assessment model suitable for evaluating small- and medium-size enterprises’ (SMEs) digital readiness levels, discuss the results of an assessment of 20 manufacturing SMEs using the proposed model and highlight priorities needed to undertake a successful journey towards Industry 4.0.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts an empirical approach using multiple case studies. Starting with a literature review about maturity and readiness-assessment models for Industry 4.0, the study’s model has been built and validated through two pilot case studies, with the final model used in an extensive case studies research with 20 enterprises.FindingsThe SMEs used in this research present an intermediate readiness level with respect to Industry 4.0. They are aware of the phenomenon, but management is still taking the first steps towards identifying the most appropriate strategy to approach this Fourth Industrial Revolution. Companies need to exploit all opportunities that data availability provides in terms of knowledge creation and decision-making support, in all forms, through investments in people skills and expertise and through an infrastructure that can support data gathering, analysis and sharing.Originality/valueThe Italian industrial landscape comprises mainly SMEs, mostly needing support to understand their path towards Industry 4.0. Therefore, the proposed model specifically focuses on SMEs, given its modularity, ease of understanding and fit to SMEs’ organisational structure. Furthermore, insights from 20 Italian SMEs are examined, and a list of priorities is highlighted.

Omnichannel fulfillment strategies: defining the concept and building an agenda for future inquiry

Purpose Since the emergence of e-commerce uprooted traditional brick-and-mortar retail in the early 2000s, many retailers have reacted by first independently servicing both the online and in-store channels (multichannel retailing) and subsequently integrating both channels to provide a seamless front-end customer interface (omnichannel retailing). Accordingly, firms had to adjust their logistics and supply chain management (SCM) processes from fulfilling orders for each channel separately to integrating channels on the back-end (omnichannel fulfillment). This development is mirrored by an emerging stream of academic publications. The purpose of this paper is to provide a snapshot of the current state of omnichannel fulfillment research via a systematic literature review (SLR) in order to identify omnichannel fulfillment strategies and to establish an agenda for future inquiry. Design/methodology/approach This SLR is based on 104 papers published in peer-reviewed journals through December 2018. It employs a six-step process, from research question to the presentation of the insights. Findings All selected manuscripts are categorized based on demographics such as publication date, outlet, methodology, etc. Analysis of the manuscripts suggests that the integration of fulfillment channel inventory and resources is becoming an important objective of fulfillment management. Appropriate omnichannel strategies based on retailer attributes are not well understood. Industry specific research has been conducted necessitating generalized extension for retailers. These findings provide a clear opportunity for the academic community to take more of the lead in terms of knowledge creation by proposing paths for industry pursuit of channel integration to successfully implement omnichannel fulfillment. Opportunities for future inquiry are highlighted. Originality/value This manuscript proposes a definition of omnichannel fulfillment strategies and identifies fulfillment links that are used interchangeably across channels as the key delimiter between omnichannel fulfillment strategies and related concepts. Six omnichannel fulfillment strategies from the extant literature are identified and conceptualized. Future research opportunities around omnichannel fulfillment, potential interdependencies between the established strategies and their impact on related SCM issues such as distribution and reverse logistics are detailed.

Knowledge Sharing, Organizational Rewards and Life Satisfaction of Employees: A Study of Knowledge Intensive Firms

The success of knowledge intensive firms is dependent on knowledge management practices in the firm. A better knowledge management system comprises feasible strategies to identify, react and overcome problems inherited in knowledge resources. Employees of knowledge intensive firms are considered the prime resource in terms of knowledge creation, accumulation, sharing and protection. This research examines the impact of knowledge sharing intentions on the life satisfaction of employees working in knowledge intensive firms in Sri Lanka. A questionnaire was used to collect data from employees who are working in IT oriented firms in Sri Lanka. Respondents from different job categories and companies for the sample were selected using a stratified sampling method. Descriptive and correlation analysis of the respondents and responses were done to identify basic features of the sample. Study findings indicated that knowledge sharing in the profession by employees of knowledge intensive firms has strong positive influenced on their life satisfaction. Further, the analysis confirmed that organizational rewards mediate the relationship of knowledge sharing and life satisfaction. Findings of the study have contributed immensely to both theory and practice.

Latin American Cities: From Subservient Reproductions to Intercontinental Dialogues

This paper investigates the circulation of ideas regarding the city among selected countries in Latin America. It discusses convergences between academic and scientific institutions and investigative weakness in partnerships between Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. It identifies two historical moments: one of vertical dialogues between Latin America and central countries in the elaboration of urban plans (20th century) and another of contemporary academic exchange signalling a horizontal dialogue that is fragile and sporadic but distinct from those observed in the past. Empirical reference is obtained from the analysis of scientific events and papers published by distinguished post-graduate programs concerning urban topics in selected countries, during the time frame of 2000–2015. The methodological approach is based on a bibliographic review and content analysis. Results indicate that the old “one-way” of transfer of urban planning ideas from central countries to Latin America is changing; slowly, the continent has been growing more independent in terms of knowledge creation and circulation.

Knowledge behavior model of e-government social media users

PurposeA social media user behavior model is presented as a function of different user types, i.e. light and heavy users. The users’ behaviors are analyzed in terms of knowledge creation, framing and targeting.Design/methodological approachData consisting of 160,000 tweets by nearly 40,000 twitter users in the city of Newark (NJ, USA) were collected during the year 2014. An analysis was conducted to examine the hypothesis that different user types exhibit distinct behaviors driven from different motivations.FindingsThere are three important findings of this study. First, light users reuse existing content more often, while heavy and automated users create original content more often. Light users also use more sentiments than the heavy and automated users. Second, automated users frame more than heavy users, who frame more than light users. Third, light users tend to target a specific audience, while heavy and automated users broadcast to a general audience.Research implicationsDecision-makers can use this study to improve communication with their customers (the public) and allocate resources more effectively for better public services. For example, they can better identify subsets of users and then share and track specialized content to these subsets more effectively.Originality/valueDespite the broad interest, there is insufficient research on many aspects of social media use, and very limited empirical research examining the relevance and impact of social media within the public sector. The social media user behavior model was established as a framework that can provide explanations for different social media knowledge behaviors exhibited by various subsets of users, in an e-government context.

Knowledge management and intellectual capital in networks of small- and medium-sized enterprises

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical-conceptual model supporting the analysis of the effects of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) networks on knowledge management (KM) and intellectual capital (IC).Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews literature on KM, IC and networks theories. The role of SMEs networks on KM and IC was discussed, analysing previous studies that supported the proposition of the model in question. In such model SMEs networks are seen as knowledge networks which are analysed in terms of the network formation process, the context, the strategy, the organisational culture and the stimuli for the sharing of knowledge. KM is observed in terms of knowledge creation, systematisation and sharing. Finally, IC encompasses human capital, structural capital and relational capital. It is noteworthy that KM and IC were considered deeply and closely related.FindingsThe conclusions obtained help to fill an important gap in the management, accounting, KM and IC literature, showing that the processes of creating, acquiring, maintaining, systematising and sharing information and knowledge and IC generation in SMEs networks can be influenced by the network formation process, by the organisational context, as well as by the strategy, organisational culture and stimuli to sharing knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides a theoretical contribution by increasing understanding of the effect of SMEs networks on KM and IC practices – an understanding still at the early stages in the literature. Moreover, the originality of the model proposed extends the relevance of this research, as the literature does not contain a sufficiently established and tested approach that simultaneously provides a clear view of the relations between SMEs, networks, KM and IC, highlighting how SMEs can use networks as a strategy to achieve a more effective management of the knowledge assets forming IC. So, the paper offers several avenues for future research.Practical implicationsBased on previous empirical research, it was perceived that the original model presented in this paper is consistent, collaborating to improve management practice, providing a competitive benchmarking process. This can allow analysts, managers and other decision makers, by using SMEs networks to improve organisational performance, innovation, sustainability, competitiveness and value.Originality/valueThe paper presents an innovative theoretical-conceptual model focussed on the role of SMEs networks on KM and IC, indicating a strong link between the former and the latter in such enterprises in terms of performance, innovation, sustainability, competitiveness and value, an issue whose understanding, although quite relevant, is still incipient in the literature.

Knowledge Creation and Innovation Performance: An Exploration of Competing Perspectives on Organizational Systems

This study is an effort towards understanding the role of organizational systems in innovation performance. We consider two distinct perspectives of organizational systems in terms of knowledge creation and innovation performance. One perspective considers organizational systems as serving to recombine existing knowledge to create new knowledge and thus value, while the other views organizational systems as a tool for implementing knowledge created by individual members in a value-adding way. The study develops a model in which organizational systems mediate the relationship between knowledge and organizational innovation performance in order to better understand how organizations themselves, as distinct from the individuals which make up the organization, contribute to innovation. The study applies Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to plant level data to explore the importance of organizational systems on knowledge transfer and performance. The findings suggest that organizational systems mediate the relationship between knowledge transfer and innovation performance, supporting the idea of the organization as a central actor in knowledge creation. Also, internal knowledge sources were found to contribute more to the knowledge transfer within the firm when compared to external knowledge sources.

Knowledge Creation in New Ventures Based on the SECI Model: Similarities and Differences Between Japan, South Korea, and Austria

Abstract This research deals with the question of which similarities and differences exist between Japanese, South Korean, and Austrian new ventures in terms of knowledge creation. The theoretical framework supporting this research is the SECI model developed by the two Japanese economists Nonaka Ikujiro and Takeuchi Hirotaka. Under the consideration of five conditions that must be met in a company, new knowledge can be created through the interaction of implicit and explicit knowledge by passing through the four modes socialisation, externalisation, combination, and internalisation. To answer this research question, an online questionnaire was sent to new ventures in Japan, South Korea, and Austria with a total of 154 companies participating. Additionally 12 expert interviews with employees or founders of new ventures were held. The result of the nonrepresentative research showed that a lot of similarities exist among the surveyed companies in terms of knowledge creation. Still there exists one important difference in the implementation of one of the five conditions of the SECI model. In comparison to Austrian companies, the majority of the Japanese and South Korean new ventures stated that their management often intentionally causes crisis/stress conditions, which can support the exchange of information and knowledge in a company.

Interdisciplinarity in ferment: The role of knowledge networks and department affiliation

This paper examines the relation between department affiliation and interdisciplinarity in terms of knowledge creation. While the claims made for the benefits or limitations of interdisciplinarity are diverse, they have been largely related to modes of academic governance or to the bare nature of disciplines. Less is known on the precise role of social networks in fostering or hindering interdisciplinarity within intraorganizational contexts. Thus, to explore the influence of network structure, tie strength and nodal properties in interdisciplinarity within higher education institutions, we study the structure and dynamics of academic's personal knowledge networks. It is used a mixed methods approach combining the delineation of personal networks with the ties' content analysis regarding a conceptual model specifically developed for this study. Personal network data were collected and semi-structured interviews were held with 32 academic staff members of the academic and research system in Catalonia, Spain. Findings suggest that belonging to a department decreases interdisciplinarity and that institutional constraints are more significant than the strength of the ties. Researcher's network centrality and strength of ties are positively related to interdisciplinarity. Structural holes control for certain organizational rewards and individual attributes but are not directly linked to interdisciplinarity.

An improved fuzzy-AHP (IFAHP) approach to compare SECI modes

Mental models and knowledge base of an employee are two key resources of an organisation that are imperative to develop innovative products. Effective utilisation of socialisation (S), externalisation (E), combination (C) and internalisation (I) modes within any product development (PD) phase plays an important role in creating new knowledge and updating the mental models. In order to investigate the influence of SECI modes on a specific PD phase, an improved fuzzy analytical hierarchy process approach is presented. In simple fuzzy analytical hierarchy process, the numbers are either normalised or a zero value is assigned to the degree of possibility when two triangles are not intersecting with each other. This approach calculates distorted values of degree of possibility and thus very likely produces false ranking of alternatives. The article proposes to extend the triangle edges about x-axis until they intersect when the pessimistic value of one triangle is more than the optimistic value of other triangle. It allows developing a mathematical formulation to estimate the true values of degree of possibility instead of zero. An example of conceptual design phase is discussed to illustrate the applicability and usefulness of proposed framework. In order to evaluate the performance of underlying phase in terms of knowledge creation, five criteria are selected based on the literature search and discussion with subject matter experts from strategic decision areas. After stringent analysis and exhaustive experimentation, it is found that internalisation mode highly influences the conceptual design phase.

Leadership Research

While the autonomy of research professionals isconsidered a crucial condition for the quality oftheir findings, leadership of research is also seennecessary for the efficiency and quality ofresearch work in research teams. Leadership maybe effective in terms of knowledge creation, butthis area is poorly understood. This articleanalyses the nature of commitment to conceptsas part of the effect of transformationalleadership on research work within a group. Theconclusion is that leadership is an integral part ofknowledge creation, not just of knowledgesharing and exploitation. Effective leadershipresults in the mixture of epistemic and socialcommitments that makes a group a collectiveknower, not just a sum of individual knowers.The analysis of conceptual commitmentscontributes to understanding the rejectionist/believer debate of social epistemology in a newlight.

Complementarity of internal and external R&D: is there a difference between product versus process innovations?

Previous research on complementarity of research and development (R&D) has generated inconsistent results and focused predominantly on product innovations, neglecting process innovations. Although process innovations are important for firm efficiency, growth, and performance, little is known about complementarity of internal and external R&D activities in process innovations. Because of the different characteristics of knowledge involved in product versus process innovations, firms should benefit less from complementing internal with external R&D for process innovations than product innovations in terms of knowledge creation but should at the same time be less prone to the risks of unwanted knowledge transfer. Our empirical analysis of cross‐sectional firm‐level data of the German manufacturing sector from 2001, 2005, and 2009 comprises a direct complementarity test for product versus process innovations. The results confirm previous evidence for significant complementarities between internal and external R&D for product innovations but find limited existence of complementarity for process innovations. As implication for R&D management, our study highlights the differences between process and product innovations and how they translate into differences in complementarity of internal and external R&D activities.

Bibliometric Analysis of the Product-Service System Research Field

The interest for the product-service system (PSS) approach has increased substantially in the last decade. New born research fields such as the PSS require the understanding of their knowledge structure as well as of their evolving structure of research collaborations. In this sense, the research field is better explained, supporting the alignment among new studies and an improved performance in the knowledge building. There are already papers in the literature that addressed the state-of-the-art in PSS, providing important guidance. However, they have not still focused on quantitative metrics, which are capable of providing a supplementary perspective. Therefore, this study aims at developing a bibliometric analysis of the PSS research field, looking for its current situation and possible evolution in terms of knowledge creation, collaboration networks and geographical distribution. A sample of 118 PSS papers published from 2002 to 2013 was collected in the Web of Science Database. Vantage Point, UCINET and NetDraw software was used to perform the bibliometric analysis. The results show a huge increase of the research field after 2011 and a balanced distribution of papers among authors. Europe and Asia are assigned to the majority of studies, showing strong collaboration networks among their institutions. Furthermore, journals with the highest number of PSS papers and the most cited papers are identified as well as the predominant knowledge topics addressed within the period. This study provides a holistic view of the PSS research field. It provides metrics regarding publications, which are useful for new entrants to identify the state-of-the-art and to understand their possible contributions to the research field. In addition, the investigation of collaboration networks shows the research groups in activity, highlighting opportunities for new collaborations and supporting the development of scientific policies. Finally, this study adopts quantitative metrics that can be reused for other studies in the future to update the status of the PSS research field or to perform similar analysis for other fields.

Speech pathologists’ experiences with stroke clinical practice guidelines and the barriers and facilitators influencing their use: a national descriptive study

BackgroundCommunication and swallowing disorders are a common consequence of stroke. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been created to assist health professionals to put research evidence into clinical practice and can improve stroke care outcomes. However, CPGs are often not successfully implemented in clinical practice and research is needed to explore the factors that influence speech pathologists’ implementation of stroke CPGs. This study aimed to describe speech pathologists’ experiences and current use of guidelines, and to identify what factors influence speech pathologists’ implementation of stroke CPGs.MethodsSpeech pathologists working in stroke rehabilitation who had used a stroke CPG were invited to complete a 39-item online survey. Content analysis and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data.Results320 participants from all states and territories of Australia were surveyed. Almost all speech pathologists had used a stroke CPG and had found the guideline “somewhat useful” or “very useful”. Factors that speech pathologists perceived influenced CPG implementation included the: (a) guideline itself, (b) work environment, (c) aspects related to the speech pathologist themselves, (d) patient characteristics, and (e) types of implementation strategies provided.ConclusionsThere are many different factors that can influence speech pathologists’ implementation of CPGs. The factors that influenced the implementation of CPGs can be understood in terms of knowledge creation and implementation frameworks. Speech pathologists should continue to adapt the stroke CPG to their local work environment and evaluate their use. To enhance guideline implementation, they may benefit from a combination of educational meetings and resources, outreach visits, support from senior colleagues, and audit and feedback strategies.

Young, Restless and Creative: Openness to Disruption and Creative Innovations

This paper argues that openness to new, unconventional and disruptive ideas has a .first-order impact on creative innovations - innovations that break new ground in terms of knowledge creation. After presenting a motivating model focusing on the choice between incremental and radical innovation, and on how managers of different ages and human capital are sorted across different types of .firms, we provide cross-country, firm-level and patent-level evidence consistent with this pattern. Our measures of creative innovations proxy for innovation quality (average number of citations per patent) and creativity (fraction of superstar innovators, the likelihood of a very high number of citations, and generality of patents). Our main proxy for openness to disruption is manager age. This variable is based on the idea that only companies or societies open to such disruption will allow the young to rise up within the hierarchy. Using this proxy at the country, .firm or patent level, we present robust evidence that openness to disruption is associated with more creative innovations.